Volvo’s New Simulator Drives The Development Of Future Models [w/Video]

Volvo got its hands on one of the world’s most advanced chassis simulators, showing their intentions for their future models.

It’s called the Vi-Grade chassis simulator and Volvo says it’s the third of its kind that exists globally with Ferrari and Porsche already using the other two. The company has already been using it to hone the driving dynamics of its future models, including the upcoming S90 flagship model which has been leaked through a scale model.

The new simulator gives Volvo the chance to shorten the development time of its future vehicles thanks to the virtual environments on offer like the Nurburgring where the company can conduct very early tests on high speed stability, balance and individual drive mode settings.

The new chassis simulator will lead to the next generation of Volvos that are more engaging and more rewarding to drive. “We are making substantial investments in people, technology and facilities in order to redefine the Volvo driving experience. Our aim is to deliver full control, ease and dexterity at the wheel. We will improve drivability across the entire Volvo Cars range,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Volvo’s Senior V.P. of Research & Development.

“The beauty of the new simulator is that it provides us with the opportunity to physically experience the calculation models and evaluate them using human test drivers, rather than staring at graphs and numbers in a meeting room,” says Stefan Karlsson, Manager Vehicle Dynamics. “This is further testament to our commitment to human-centric development and a cornerstone of developing a driving experience that is truly designed around you.”

The first model of this new era for Volvo will be the S90 flagship, a model which wants to draw buyers away from the traditional premium German offerings but in order to accomplish this difficult task, it’s going to need all the help it can get.